Even when he was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heave…

Even when he was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. Since only the service of love can be acceptable to God, the allegiance of His creatures must rest upon a conviction of His justice and benevolence. The inhabitants of heaven and of the worlds, being unprepared to comprehend the nature or consequences of sin, could not then have seen the justice of God in the destruction of Satan. Had he been immediately blotted out of existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from love. PP 42.3

Reading Plan, Week 1

Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapters: Intro–5

Monday: 19.1–34.3
Tuesday: 35.1–45.3
Wednesday: 46.1–56.1
Thursday: 56.2–66.4
Friday: 67.1–79.1

All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful). 

The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.

Introduction: Patriarchs and Prophets

Patriarchs and Prophets was actually the second book produced for the Conflict of the Ages series. First published in 1890, it traces the story of God's interactions with humanity from before creation through the reign of King David. The first several chapters include detailed and dramatic descriptions of events that are clearly not drawn directly from the Biblical account. Instead, these are based on the visions, dreams, and studies of Ellen White herself. It therefore should not be a surprise that the introduction of this book contains a scriptural defense of these forms of inspiration and revelation written by Ellen White’s contemporary editor and theologian Uriah Smith.

Chapter 1: Why Was Sin Permitted? 

The peace of the Heavenly Kingdom is disrupted when Lucifer rebels against God, accusing Him of tyranny and injustice. Although offered every opportunity and "efforts as infinite love and wisdom only could devise," Lucifer refuses to reconcile with God and is exiled from Heaven.

  • In the growing conflict, watch for the contrast between Lucifer's methods and God's methods

  • In God's actions and responses, note how love and freedom are valued and defined

Chapter 2: The Creation

With deliberate intent, God creates a world of beauty, peace and perfection. Attention is drawn to how these are represented and realized in humanity, community, marriage, and the Sabbath. God's plan is that this creation be a source of universal joy based on love, which can only be given and chosen freely.

  • In Eden's garden and in the Creation story, how are God's values exhibited?

  • From the descriptions and comments, what are ways we can today reach for the original ideal?

Chapter 3: The Temptation and Fall

Paradise is threatened by the fallen Lucifer, and both Eve and Adam choose temptation over faithfulness. This decision has grim consequences on the spiritual, personal, and material existence of God's creation. But in the midst of their mistrust and rebellion, God works to bring growth and restoration for humanity.

  • How do the individual responses of Adam and Eve toward temptation look familiar to you?

  • In the consequences of their sin, look for the ways God plans hope and renewal for the fallen humans

Chapter 4: The Plan of Redemption

God refuses to permit the permanent loss of humanity to sin and reveals the Plan to rescue His children from the results of their disastrous rebellion. The cost and scope of the plan are both triumphant and terrible. A Divine Sacrifice must be made to redeem a fallen world and vindicate the character of God.

  • Note how God approaches the Plan of Salvation—what does the Divine approach reveal about God's character?

  • Look for the similarities and differences in the responses of both angels and humans to the plan of redemption.

Chapter 5: CAin and abel tested

The world's first brothers choose who they will worship as humanity faces the choice of serving the rebel or the Creator. God's kingdom is drawn in stark contrast to that of the fallen angel, and pride and self-reliance push Cain to become the first murderer.

  • Both God and Abel interact with Cain to correct him. How are our responses to correction both alike and different from Cain's?

  • What does God's reaction to the murder and murderer reveal about justice and mercy?